Learning to type on a Chromebook
Chromebooks are everywhere in homeschool families, and they're a perfectly good place to learn to type. The letters, numbers, and home row are exactly where they are on any other keyboard. A few keys are different, though, and kids (and parents) notice. Here's what to know.
The good news
- The letter keys are standard. A S D F and J K L ; are in the same place, and F and J usually have bumps. Touch typing is touch typing.
- There's a real keyboard. That's the most important thing. On-screen tablet keyboards don't build touch-typing skill. A Chromebook's keyboard does.
- Browser-based programs work. Most typing programs today run in a web browser, which is what a Chromebook is built around.
What's different on a Chromebook keyboard
Google's own Chromebook Help page lists the main differences:
| Key | On a Chromebook |
|---|---|
| Caps Lock | Usually no Caps Lock key. In its spot is the Search or Launcher key. Google says you can turn Caps Lock on or off with Alt + Search (or Alt + Launcher) |
| Top row | Instead of F1 to F12, the top row usually has browser and system keys: back, forward, refresh, full screen, brightness, volume |
| Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down | Most Chromebook keyboards don't have separate keys for these. ChromeOS lets you choose which key combination does each one, under Settings > Device > Keyboard |
| Number pad | Most Chromebook laptops don't have one |
What this means for learning
Caps Lock. Honestly, this barely matters. Touch typists use Shift for capital letters most of the time anyway. Teach Shift, and Caps Lock becomes a footnote. If your child really wants a Caps Lock key, Google's help page explains how to make the Search key work as one (Settings > Device > Keyboard > Remap keyboard keys).
Backspace vs. Delete. Backspace is right where it always is. It's the key kids will use most. Forward delete takes a key combination on most Chromebooks. Our guide to Backspace vs. Delete explains the difference.
The F-keys. Kids who will later use a Windows PC or Mac with function keys can learn what F-keys do from a lesson, even if their Chromebook doesn't have them. See keyboard keys explained.
The number pad. If your child wants to learn 10-key typing, a small USB number pad plugs into most Chromebooks. Or practice the number row instead. See how to practice 10-key without a number pad.
Setting up a Chromebook for typing practice
- Turn off autocorrect for physical keyboard typing while they practice. Google's help page shows where: open Settings, then under "Device," select Keyboard Input settings. You want mistakes to show, not be quietly fixed.
- Turn off emoji suggestions if they pop up and distract.
- Raise the screen and lower the keyboard if you can. A plug-in keyboard on the table, with the Chromebook propped up, is more comfortable than hunching over a small laptop.
- Check the chair. Feet flat (a box under them is fine), elbows about level with the keys.
- Use full screen. Fewer distractions.
School-managed Chromebooks
If your child's Chromebook is managed by a school, co-op, or umbrella program, some settings may be locked and some websites may be blocked. Check that your typing program loads before you plan a week around it.
Where Home Row Mojo fits
Home Row Mojo runs in a web browser and needs a physical keyboard. It has guided lessons, drills with words, phrases, and sentences, and 12 arcade games. Bonus lessons cover the number pad and the full keyboard, including Insert, Delete, Page Up and Down, Ctrl, and the F-keys, with a Mac and PC toggle.
A friendly heads-up: the number pad lessons only work on a keyboard that has a number pad. If your keyboard doesn't have one, an inexpensive plug-in USB number pad works. Many Chromebooks don't have the keys the full-keyboard lessons cover. We'd suggest trying the free version on your Chromebook first to see how it works on your setup. Chicken Run and Checkers are free to play. The full version is $29 once for the whole family.
Sources
- Chromebook Help, Use your Chromebook keyboard checked October 24, 2026